Substructure revealed today

December 4, 2025 - Hooded Horse is excited to reveal another new addition to its portfolio of deep strategic and tactical games. Announced during the PC Gaming Show Most Wanted showcase, Substructure is a new factory and automation game from the creator of the popular Factorio mod Ultracube, now part of Dubious Design.

‍

Set on a rogue planet that appears at the far reaches of the solar system, players will be tasked with leading an expedition to uncover the mysteries of this interstellar interloper. Establish complex automated factories and production chains on the lush surface of this alien world, all to support further exploration below the crust. Players can also work alone or with friends as they build around intricate caverns, and exploit alien resources hidden beneath the surface, driving the light of industrialization to the very depths. What mysteries will awaken and what dangerous threats will emerge remain to be seen…

Key features of Substructure include:

• Industry & Agriculture – Resource extraction and management, from humble crops to vital building materials, to rare minerals.
• Factory-oh! – Automation mechanics that will let the fires of industry burn bright!
• Multi-level – build programmable elevator shafts to explore beneath the surface, and adapt production chains to account for resources coming from other layers.
• Constant Innovation – use the materials found below the ground to improve processes on the surface. 
• Multiplayer – play solo or with friends in co-op! 
• Mod Support – From day one, add new resources, buildings, or just balance the game as desired! This game is built by modders, for modders.

“Dubious Design is building something that goes far beyond the usual factory-builder,” says Hooded Horse CEO Tim Bender. “Between the vertical layers, intricate logistics, and day one support for modding and co-op, this will be the last factory game you’ll ever play.”

“We couldn’t be happier to (finally) announce we’re working with Hooded Horse,” says Dubious Design CEO Michael Donoghue. “It was clear from the outset that we had a shared passion for these types of experiences, and together we’ll be able to make Substructure truly great. We could not have hoped for a better partner.”

The game will be localized from English into German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Ukrainian, Russian, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

Substructure is coming to PC via Steam Early Access.

Press inquiries: press@hoodedhorse.com

-End-

About Hooded Horse™

Hooded Horse is a publisher of deep strategic and tactical games, including Manor Lords, Against the Storm, ENDLESS™ Legend 2, Old World, Norland, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, and 9 Kings. With people and partners around the world, our goal is to empower and support developers in doing what they do best: creating world-class experiences for their audiences.

You can find out more about us on our Steam publisher page or website, as well as our social channels: Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, YouTube, and Discord.

About Dubious Design™

Dubious Design is an independent studio from the UK founded in 2024 by two friends who share a common passion for grinding their faces against sandpaper. Their debut title, Substructure, is a homage to this passion. Answers exist, but it's up to you to find them. May the future be dubious.

‍